2005 was a pretty good year for music. From new artists such as Rihanna and Fall Out Boy to legends such as U2, Madonna, and Paul McCartney (did he really receive a Grammy nomination?), there was a varied mix for everyone's tastes. There were songs that you couldn't escape: "Now I ain't sayin' she a gold digger..." (you can thank me later for putting that song in your head). And songs you wanted an escape from: "Let me hear you say this sh* is bananas, B-A-N-A-N-A-S" (and feel free to threaten me for sticking that one in your brain).

The year in sports followed the same script. Some new and old faces, stories you couldn't help but notice, and stories (and people) you wished would just go away.

Using some of 2005's biggest hits as themes, Sports in a Can, in association with Def Jam Recording and FOX Sports, proudly announce: Sports 2005: The unOfficial Soundtrack. Coming soon to a record store near you.

"Ring out the bells again, like we did when spring began"
Wake Me Up When September Ends - Green Day
Chicago White Sox

It's not a dream. The White Sox won the World Series for the first time since 1917. Stellar pitching, timely hitting, and the best manager in baseball were the key ingredients in this recipe.

They out-hit the best offense in baseball in their opening round sweep of the Red Sox. Their starters pitched four straight complete games in the ALCS-unheard of in this age of pitch counts and situational relievers. Had they played the Cardinals in the World Series, Tony LaRussa-he of the four-reliever inning-would have needed his blood pressure medication, stat. They won their four World Series games by a total of six runs.

And just think about this: The White Sox and Red Sox won the last two World Series. And the Yankees haven't won since 2000. Just needed to point that out.

"I'm coming out of my cage, and I've been doing just fine"
Mr. Brightside - The Killers
Roger Clemens

Roger began the year set to earn $18 million-the largest sum ever paid to a pitcher. Then, at age 42, he had a season for the ages. His 1.87 ERA was the lowest of his career and the 4th best in baseball over the last 20 years. Only the anemic Houston offense and a hamstring injury stopped Clemens from having a truly storybook season. He left Game 1 of the World Series in the 3rd inning with his injury and didn't make another start, as the Astros were swept by the White Sox.

As 2005 ends, Clemens still hasn't decided whether to suit up for one more year. The rumors are flying that he could end up somewhere else-with Boston and New York the prime candidates-for what could be his final year. And who knows? Maybe this won't be his final year. Clemens is a freak of nature, out-pitching studs who weren't even born when he was winning his first of seven Cy Young Awards. Maybe he'll pitch until he's 50 and win three more Cy Youngs.

"But after I did it I don't know what I did it for, I admit that I have been a little immature"
Don't Lie - Black Eyed Peas
Terrell Owens

What can be said that hasn't already been said? Owens went from an almost legendary hero (122 receiving yards in the Super Bowl seven weeks after breaking his leg) to a minor distraction (his comments about Donovan McNabb over the summer) to a complete moron-all in the span of one year!

Consider this for a moment. The final straw in the Owens story for the Eagles was when he said his team would be better off with Brett Favre as quarterback. At a time when Favre was having one of the worst years of his career. And so Owens ended up off the team-and unpaid. This may have been the greatest combination of stupid statements and stupid actions in the history of sports.

"We're going down, down in an earlier round, and Sugar, we're going down swinging"
Sugar, We're Going Down - Fall Out Boy
Minnesota Vikings

"Daunte Culpepper, California School for the Blind." I expected that to be Culpepper's intro on Monday Night Football by the way he played this season. I don't know how many times linebackers came right up the middle and he just stood there as if he didn't see them coming.

The Vikings started out 1-3, and things looked bad. And then the sex boat scandal docked in their port. Four weeks later they were 2-5 and Culpepper was done for the year with torn ligaments in his knee. But Brad Johnson righted the ship and captained the Vikings to 6 straight wins.

But the boat ran ashore last week in Baltimore. Minnesota is out of the playoff picture. But not before taking everyone on a wild cruise of emotions. (OK, enough with the boat metaphors, I know. I won't ride that wave any longer.)

"And you ask me what I want this year...just a chance that maybe we'll find better days"
Better Days - Goo Goo Dolls
Hurricane Katrina

The natural (and unnatural) disaster that struck the Gulf Coast took and destroyed countless lives. The region may never be the same.

From a sports perspective, the catastrophe may very well have altered the landscape forever. The Saints played in both San Antonio and Baton Rouge this season, and owner Tom Benson has made no secret of the fact that he'd like to move the team to San Antonio permanently. The Hornets-New Orleans' NBA franchise-set up shop in Oklahoma City and have been drawing more fans than they did in New Orleans. There's already talk of the team staying in Oklahoma for another year or even permanently.

Some Louisiana colleges were unable to play any home games this year, while some athletes were forced to give up a year of eligibility to transfer to another school.

No natural disaster in American history has impacted the world of sports as deeply as this one has.

[And just an aside to the NFL powers-that-be: the Saints were forced to play an extra road game (and the Giants received an extra home game) in New York. Let's make it up to them, shall we? The Saints are scheduled to make another trip to Giants Stadium next year. How about we give the Saints an extra home game (and stick the Giants with an extra road game) next season?]

"I can exercise you, this can be your Phys. Ed"
Drop It Like It's Hot - Snoop Dogg featuring Pharrell Williams
Steroids in baseball

Yes, it's time for baseball players to start eating their Wheaties again and head back to the gym. Steroids will no longer be tolerated in Major League Baseball now that there is a policy that actually has teeth. It only took Congressional intervention, BALCO Barry Bonds' tainted 708 home runs, Rafael Palmeiro's perjury (or stupidity, or both), and some of the world's largest egos actually coming together for the good of the game.

"What if it was paradise"
Lonely No More - Rob Thomas
The NHL

With new rules and a return to the ice, the NHL seems to have given its fans what they wanted: more scoring and no ties. Of course, the NHL lockout wiped out an entire season and cost the players dearly, thanks to the brilliant union leadership of Bob Goodenow. And Gary Bettman continues to reign as the worst (by far) commissioner of any major sport. Oh, and the Tampa Bay Lightning have been the defending Stanley Cup champions for 571 days now. Tampa Bay. Lord Stanley must be rolling over in his grave.

"Who else am I gonna lean on when times get rough"
We Belong Together - Mariah Carey
Notre Dame

Even though he was one of the most brilliant offensive minds in the NFL, Charlie Weiss was unable to secure a head coaching job. So when Notre Dame came calling, Weiss took them up on an offer he couldn't refuse. How did it work out? How does 9-2 and the #6 ranking in the BCS sound? Forget the fact that it was the Fighting Irish's first winning season since 2002. This team was one play away from beating USC and changing the course of the entire college football season. The Fiesta Bowl is the cherry on top of Notre Dame's 2005 sundae.

If Notre Dame defeats Ohio State next Monday, it will be their first bowl win since 1993. Is it any wonder that the Golden Domers extended Weiss' contract before the season was even over?

"That's what I'm talking 'bout, do that thing"
Switch - Will Smith
New England Patriots

From the saddest excuse for an NFL franchise to 3 Super Bowl wins in 4 years-now that's a switch.

In 2005, the Patriots were one of the most interesting teams of all time. In the playoffs, they beat offensive powerhouse Indianapolis (again), went into Pittsburgh and beat the 16-1 Steelers, then beat the Eagles in the Super Bowl (winning by 3 points again).

Then Tedy Bruschi had a stroke, team injuries mounted, and it appeared the Super Bowl run would be over. But Bruschi became a medical miracle by returning to the field, Tom Brady was named Sportsman of the Year by Sports Illustrated, and the Patriots are once again one of the most feared teams in football. That's one heck of a year.

Sports 2005: The unOfficial Soundtrack

Wake Me Up When September Ends - Green Day (with the Chicago White Sox Quartet)
Mr. Brightside - The Killers (featuring Roger Clemens)
Don't Lie - Black Eyed Peas (intro by Terrell Owens)
Sugar, We're Going Down - Fall Out Boy (with the Minnesota Vikings Cruise Ship Band)
Better Days - Goo Goo Dolls (all proceeds benefit Hurricane Katrina victims)
Drop It Like It's Hot - Snoop Dogg featuring Pharrell Williams (steroid free)
Lonely No More - Rob Thomas (featuring NHL fans from the U.S. and Canada)
We Belong Together - Mariah Carey (with the Notre Dame marching band)
Switch - Will Smith (featuring the New England Patriots Orchestra)

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